Breast Milk: A vital defense against infection

The protective agents in colostrum and mature breast milk include specific antibodies, enzymes, leukocytes and their products, antibinding factors, antiviral factors, promoters of a protective intestinal microflora, and immune stimulators. These agents persist through the length of the infant's...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian family physician 1992-08, Vol.38, p.1849-1855
Main Author: Joneja, J M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Babies
Breastfeeding & lactation
Children & youth
Health
Infections
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The protective agents in colostrum and mature breast milk include specific antibodies, enzymes, leukocytes and their products, antibinding factors, antiviral factors, promoters of a protective intestinal microflora, and immune stimulators. These agents persist through the length of the infant's digestive tract, are unaffected by gastric acid and digestive enzymes, are present throughout lactation, and protect by noninflammatory mechanisms.
ISSN:0008-350X
1715-5258